Program Overview

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MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Master's Programs

The MPH in Epidemiology & Biostatistics trains students to design impactful population health studies and to translate research into tangible urban health improvements. Students explore the nuances of epidemiologic methods, collaborate on applied research, and master the art of interpreting and communicating findings to facilitate the development of evidence-based interventions. Students can choose either the epidemiology or biostatistics concentration in this degree program.

About the Program

Delivery Method

The program is offered in a hybrid format (online and on-campus). All courses are available asynchronously, with some courses offering the option to attend synchronously.

Enrollment Type

The program is available for both full-time and part-time enrollment.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for eligible students.

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

• Completed SOPHAS application
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a GPA (overall and major) of at least 3.0 preferred
• Personal statement/statement of interest explaining why you are interested in pursuing an MPH in general, and specifically why in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Background in the field: paid or volunteer experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, health-related research, or other public health-related field
• Resume
• 2 Letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor
• Evidence of preparedness for the quantitative coursework involved in an MPH program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Optional GREs (Graduate Record Exam (General Test))
• TOEFL scores are required if the language of instruction for prior degrees was not English
• Transcript evaluation from WES or ECE for foreign transcripts

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 application deadline: No longer accepting applications
• Fall 2026: Accepting applications until all seats are filled

Curriculum

Foundational Knowledge

• PUBH 601 Foundations of Public Health Knowledge (0 credits)

Core Coursework

• PUBH 610 Introduction to Health Systems, Policy, and Management (3 credits)
• PUBH 611 Health Equity, Communication, and Advocacy (3 credits)
• PUBH 612 Designing and Evaluating Public Health Interventions (3 credits)
• PUBH 613 Designs, Concepts, and Methods in Public Health Research (3 credits)
• PUBH 614 Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods in Public Health Research (3 credits)

Required Coursework

• BIOS 620 Applied Biostatistics I (3 credits)
• BIOS 621 Applied Biostatistics II (3 credits)
• EPID 620 Epidemiological Methods I (3 credits)
• EPID 621 Epidemiological Methods II (3 credits)
• EPID 622 Applied Research: Data Management and Analysis (3 credits)

Elective Coursework

• Two (2) electives chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor

Practice Experience

• PUBH 696: Supervised Fieldwork (3 credits)

Culminating Experience

• PUBH 698: Capstone Project (3 credits)

Total Credits Required

• 42 credits

Recommended Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence varies depending on whether the student begins the program in the fall or spring semester. Students are encouraged to meet with a staff advisor to map out an appropriate plan of study.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health
• Public Health & Health Care Systems
• Planning & Management to Promote Health
• Policy in Public Health
• Leadership
• Communication
• Interprofessional and/or Intersectoral Practice
• Systems Thinking
• Environmental Sciences

Concentration Competencies

1. Correctly select and apply epidemiologic and statistical methods to examine public health outcomes.
2. Critically evaluate the strengths, limitations, and assumptions of epidemiologic, statistical, and other research methods in the public health literature.
3. Identify key threats to validity within and across epidemiologic studies and analytic approaches.
4. Use information technology and computer software effectively for the collection, management, retrieval, analysis, summarization, and presentation of public health data.
5. Effectively describe, interpret, and synthesize health research findings and disseminate them in written and oral formats appropriate for diverse audiences.

Alumni Outcomes

Alumni outcomes data was collected via surveys of CUNY SPH alumni one year after graduation from 2016 to 2022.